Description
Book SynopsisWhat does it mean to be young and spiritual today-when the New Age isn't exactly new, when female rabbis and ministers are no longer unusual, and when Eastern religion's ideas and practices are no longer considered exotic? Who are the faces behind today's fresh approaches to faith, approaches that are destined to shape the future of spiritual life in America? "Religion is not a crutch for the weak-minded. It is merely spirituality in its simplest, most rudimentary form. We have witnessed the hypocrisy, the moral and spiritual mediocrity of succumbing to tradition for tradition's sake. In an age when there are books on everything for dummies, my generation has opted to find out for themselves. I am a new adult, with decisions to make about my identity and my future. I am not about to surrender this newfound privilege. I am content with discovering my spiritual self through my own avenues. I am not in need of a crossing guard." -from God Within God Within represents citizens of the twenty-first century who are faced with a dizzying array of spiritualities: believer, seeker, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Wiccan, to name just a very few. The result of a nationwide challenge extended to young adults born after 1974, in this book they share their experiences with all of these beliefs-some confident, some questioning-and introduce us to many shades in between. Sometimes irreverent-but more importantly, always relevant-this thought-provoking collection of writings, poetry, and art showcases the voices that are defining the future of religion, faith, and belief as we know it.
Trade Review"This collection will appeal to the older adult who is looking for insight into the complex spiritual and religious lives of this exciting new generation. More crucially, it will serve as a rallying cry for new adults who, within the shock of self-recognition, will be encouraged to explore and articulate their own spiritual wisdom, thereby enriching us all." —Paul Raushenbush, multi-faith spiritual advice columnist and music-page producer for Beliefnet.com "These new adults are not only searching for spiritual meaning, but are actively creating their own spiritual identities.... A great read for both spiritual seekers and believers." —Joanna Laufer and Kenneth Lewis, authors of Inspired Lives: Exploring the Role of Faith and Spirituality in the Lives of Extraordinary People
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Love and Strategy, by Eboo Patel 2. Simply Complicated, by Lindsay Keipper 3. Two Stars, by Elizabeth Ochs 4. Nestled in the Lap of the Goddess, by Pamela Dawn deForest 5. Spirituality vs. Religion, or Why the Atheist Crossed the Road, by Ian Giatti 6. A Spiritual Orphan, by Arlene Helderman 7. An Unauthorized Autobiography, by Sumi Loundon 8. Jesus H. Christ, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Church, by Emlyn Bean 9. Oy, Estherla, by Jodi Werner 10. Letting Our Spirits Free, by Jennifer A. Johnson 11. Moving from Judaism toward Christ, and the Christians Who Tried to Stop Me, by Lauren Winner 12. The Journey to the Alligator Juniper, by Shana Lanzetta 13. Living at the Crossroads, by Eboo Patel The Anti-Conclusion
